In Conversation with Mickalene Thomas
Using the power of photographic image, Mickalene Thomas explores notions of black female celebrity and identity. She places her subjects in iconic poses and settings, inspired by art history and popular culture. Her subjects are mostly women of color, allowing her to portray and empower the women as well as celebrating their culture, beauty, and sexuality. She uses retro prints and applies sparkly rhinestones to add light and accentuate specific elements of each painting and collage. Her work subtly confronts our assumptions about what is feminine and what defines women in general.
